Real Madrid coach Carlos Ancelotti was crowned the best coach in the world by winning the Johan Cruyff award, surpassing Lionel Scaloni, Xabi Alonso, Pep Guardiola, Gian Piero Gasperini, and Luis de la Fuente. Ancelotti, the only coach to have won five Champions League titles, thanked his family, president, club, players, and especially Vini and Carvajal after receiving the award.
At the ceremony in Paris, Emiliano 'Dibu' Martínez was also recognized, winning the Yashin Award for the best goalkeeper in the world, and Lautaro Martínez, who finished seventh in the Ballon d'Or race. Scaloni, after winning the 2024 Copa América with the Argentine national team, could not attend the ceremony despite his nomination.
Presenter Didier Drogba expressed regret over Scaloni's absence but congratulated Ancelotti, as did his co-host on stage, Sandy Heribert. For his part, Scaloni stood out this year by leading Real Madrid to conquer the Champions League and the LaLiga title, although he was not present at the ceremony in Paris, just like the other representatives of the white team.
